Investment in quality early childhood education

From January this year, the Australian education system is changing its approach to early years education.
The National Quality Framework will:

• improve staff-to-child ratios so that each child receives more individual care and attention
• require staff to have formal qualifications so they are better equipped to help children learn.
• mean that child care services across Australia are all working under the same system

These decisions have been based on research:

• Economically, investing in quality early childhood education gives greater returns on investment than at any other time in the life.
• International research shows that improving the quality of learning environments for young children creates substantial social, educational and economic benefits for children, families, educators and the community.
• Findings from the neurosciences demonstrate that the human brain grows more in the first three years than at any other time of life. The environment in which the child spends his or her time directly impacts on their brain development.

These kinds of quality relationships and environments can be at home, in early childhood settings or in the community.
"Research from around the world tells us that if we provide young children with a great education from day one, they are much more likely to live happier, healthier and more productive lives,”  Ms Ellis, Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care, said. We know that when children experience this, they are more likely to enjoy success in building and maintaining friendships, having better health outcomes and establishing themselves as life-long learners.
Overall the Australian Government will invest $21.7 billion in early childhood education and care over the next four years.

RESOURCES:
The Conversation
Ministers' Media Centre